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Best Long Walking Path in Huntsville

April 30, 2023 By Thad Forester

Aldridge Creek Greenway

I train for a 28-mile Memorial Walk each year and yesterday I needed to get at least 10 miles to make sure my feet are ready.

I was looking for a specific path for this walk. Here were my criteria:

-did not want to walk along a busy road. Walking/rucking is relaxing to me and I do not like consistent road noise.
-wanted a long path so I could easily get 10+ miles without making the same loop many times
-needed some seclusion and/or restrooms b/c I drink a lot of water and have to go at least every hour
-prefer some sitting options so I can take a quick break to snack, drink, stretch and change socks if needed
-since the annual event is on paved roads, I want a paved path. My family and I make great use of the many hiking trails in the area, but this specific event is paved roads, so that’s how I typically train, especially for long walks

Fortunately, Huntsville, AL has many greenways and I’ve spent time on most of them. But, the Aldridge Creek Greenway is one that I’ve never walked on. So, off I went.

I parked at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on the corner of Bailey Cove Road and Green Mountain Road, and headed south on the path.

It was a perfect spring day, late April. Birds were everywhere, kids playing in the water along the path, many runners, walkers and bikers–both families and individuals; all ages. Since the path is wide, there wasn’t a problem with being overcrowded.

Smells always stick with me. I don’t know what caused the wet dog smell for about the first mile, but after that the honeysuckle and other pleasant smells took over.

There are benches about every 1/2 to 3/4 miles–plenty of them. Generous people have donated, often times in memory of a loved one.

I walked to Ditto Landing, covered that area just a little, found a bathroom at the pavilion, took a quick break along the river, then headed back.

Note: there are more paths at Ditto Landing, but I didn’t take them. Next time, I’ll check out the path along the river.

Went straight back to the church parking lot, which was 10 miles. Took me 3 hours and 20 mins. Step count was around 21,300.

My goal is always around 18-19 min miles b/c that’s the pace we’ll do during the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk. I wasn’t far off, but didn’t stop my counter when I stopped to talk with a biker, sat and ate a few snacks and used the bathroom.

If you’re looking for elevation gain, this isn’t the path. Over these 10 miles, my gain was only 154 feet. When I want elevation gain, I have a great spot in Hampton Cove that is a burner!

The only time I encountered road noise was close to Ditto Landing.

The scenery along the path was beautiful. Also saw some brightly colored birds and a mama duck with her ducklings.

These walks (actually a ruck since I was carrying 20 lbs on my back) are my time to get away from my busy and loud life, listen to a podcast, listen to silence and nature, and think. Basically, rucking is perfect outdoor therapy.

I hope this post is helpful to you as you plan your next short or long walk/ruck. Huntsville is a beautiful area and has many great outdoor options. I’m not saying this is my favorite path, but it’s definitely one of my favorite. And since I was looking for distance and seclusion, I got it on Aldridge Creek Greenway.

Post a comment below on what you like or don’t like about this greenway. Also, please share other paths that you like and why. And if you’re new to Huntsville, welcome! I’m far from an expert on the area since I’ve only been here 2.5 years. We’re still exploring too.

If you’re interested in my playlist for this walk (when I wasn’t listening to nothing), here are the two podcasts I completed:

Our Town Podcast – Lisa DeFalco
The Ready State – Jon Gregory

Gear used (and always used for rucking): Bullet Rucker, Ballistic Trainers shoes, Simple Shorts, American Training Shirt; all from GORUCK–gear and apparel that I’ve tested and proven since 2015.

Filed Under: Exercise, Reviews Tagged With: aldridge creek, ballistic trainers, bullet rucker, cross training, endurance walk, greenway, north alabama, outdoor therapy, ruck, rucking, training, walk, walking

Ep 103 | Tips and Thoughts on the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck

April 10, 2023 By Thad Forester

Chris Sprayberry and Troy Bye join me to talk about the upcoming JAG 28 Birthday Walk on May 20, 2023.

Chris (@https://www.instagram.com/sprayberry_77/) has done the walk every year since we started in 2011. Troy’s (@https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/) first time was last year. After learning the hard way, he can’t wait to do it again while being more prepared.

Today we talk about how they prepare, gear they use, tricks, injuries, misperceptions, mistakes, best memories from years past, and all kinds of stuff related to my brother’s annual memorial walk.

You’ll definitely want to hear how Chris prepares each year. It’s pretty impressive.

We enjoyed the banter together as we hung out in the Our Town Podcast Studio. Please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. I want your feedback.

You can also watch us do this interview via YouTube here.

Mentioned in this episode:

How to Train for the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk / Ruck – 12 Years of Practice

Joe Carlucci – 2023 Pizza Maker of the Year

Learn more about the JAG Birthday Walk and Register Here

Outro music by Spent Brass: Sons of War / Veteran

Copyright 2023 Thad Forester
www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: balega, ballistic trainers, body glide, endurance, goruck, mark forester, memorial walk, ruck, rucking, rucking gear

How to Train for the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk / Ruck – 12 Years of Practice

March 24, 2023 By Thad Forester

Mark Forester JAG 28 Walkers at stop 2 in 2018

This is an update to an article I published here in 2016. Since I’m now training for my 13th JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk, I’ve learned a few things, made some modifications to how I train and what gear I use. Some of it is based on necessity, some on preference and experience, and some may be that my body is changing ever-so slightly (I’m now 46 years old).

When do I start training?

The JAG 28 Walk is every May. Even though I ruck very often all year, I start my longer distance training in late January. This is where I may try new socks, shoes, underwear, belts, etc. I start out my low mileage using 30 lbs in my rucksack. Once I get into March or April, I lower to 20 lbs, then by late April, I’m not adding weight, just focused on mileage.

As of today, March 11, I just finished my last training ruck with 30 lbs (at 6 miles). I’m now going down to 20 lbs for about a month, then will remove all the added weight for training for this specific event.

I never get as many miles as I’d like b/c of limited time, however, it’s important to get up to at least half of what the official walk will be (this is a very bare minimum). Since I’ve done the walk for 12 years, I know what to expect and can follow my suggestions above. If it was my first time, I’d get more than 14 miles before the actual event. 14 miles is half and is normally enough distance to know if my feet will blister, socks and shoes will work, and that my legs and hips are ready. This is also enough distance to test out food and drink (if other than water) to see how my stomach reacts.

Don’t let there be any surprises pop-up 10-15 miles into the event. DO NOT show up day-of with untested gear or you will regret it. *It’s important to note that this 28 mile memorial walk covers mostly rural areas, including a 6-mile dirt road in a national forest. This means it’s not easy to “drop out” of the event. Therefore it’s critical to be prepared so there are no surprises with your body or gear.

thad_jag 28 walk
Year 2016, mile 12

How often do I train for the walk?

From January until May, I walk at least two times/week. I usually get one long walk on Fridays or Saturdays, and then a minimum of 1-2 smaller walks during the week. Sometimes we go out as a family after supper and get in 20 mins of walking. This may only be 3/4 to 1 mile, but it’s great for the family and a great post-meal activity. Another great benefit of rucking–it’s a family affair. I’ll also take a break during the day from working and ruck one mile in neighborhood. It does the body and soul good.

My training terrain

I walk on terrain that is similar to the actual memorial walk. Our route in Haleyville is mostly on paved roads and a somewhat hilly area. The elevation is on average 950 feet, with an elevation gain of the entire 28 miles being 1,194 ft. The terrain is important for a few reasons: 1) if it were off road, I would wear the MACV-1 boots since they are high-tops and I want the ankle support and more aggressive sole for traction, and 2) being prepared for hills or elevation, if applicable. This event is a fairly predictable environment, but weather could change that quickly.

Speaking of weather; if you have the chance to train in rain, do it. Rain will not stop our event. One year it was in the 40’s and rained for the first few hours. It’s important to know what you’ll wear in that instance–poncho, jacket or nothing different. I put on a jacket that year, but that’s it. My pants covered the tops of my shoes, so my socks and feet didn’t get too wet (obviously they weren’t skinny pants).

Hydration

Although I’ve never had problems with this, it can be tricky. With training being in the winter and spring, most of my walks don’t require much water, but come May the heat and humidity will demand it. I like a mixture of Gatorade and water. I’ve seen very healthy and active people drop out due to cramps b/c they didn’t get enough salt (coming from me as a non-medical professional, I know). We tried hard to ‘revive’ a young guy last year, but it was too late. We were 23 miles in and he was done due to dehydration. He was okay, just his pride hurt and physically couldn’t walk any more.

Also, I don’t recommend trying new energy drinks or gels without testing them out. Seen this happen too–someone’s passing out energy drinks and samples, people take it for the first time and get sick or dehydrated. On the day of the walk, only use what you’ve tested.

Gear I use

Here is what I use to give you some ideas. Hopefully it’s helpful to others.

Shoes: GORUCK Ballistic Trainers (previous years I used the MACV-1 and other hiking boots, but now I like these shoes since it’s mostly paved roads for this event)
Socks: Balega Hidden Comfort (previous years I used Smartwool, but these new ones work well with the Ballistic Trainers). Note: GORUCK just released some new socks that I will be trying.
Backpack: GORUCK Bullet Rucker 4.0 (previous years used the GR2, but the Bullet Rucker is smaller, which is more appropriate for this walk).
Underwear: SAXX. Laugh all you want, but for me, this is very important. I don’t really need to elaborate here, but since I don’t have 4% body fat, my inner-thighs will rub together, therefore I must have something to prevent that friction. SAXX does the job very well, and doesn’t hold too much moisture. I will not use cotton for this event.
Shirt and pants: Dri-fit or tri-blend shirt with thin, fast-drying pants or shorts. Of course, I use GORUCK shorts or pants.

Extra socks, shirt, underwear, first aid and Bulletproof Bands (formerly Ruck Wrap)
Year 2022. First time I wore shorts and the Ballistic Trainers shoes

What I do at each rest area

We have designated rest stops every 4-7 miles. This allows us to sit, eat and recharge. I also take this time to change into fresh, dry socks (that I’ve kept dry in a zip lock bag). Normally, I put some body powder/talc on my feet to help dry them quickly. I also use Body Glide on my feet–heels, ball and any high-friction spot. In addition, I use this on my inner thighs.

My priority at each stop is to get my feet dry, socks changed, address any hot spots, compression therapy on my achilles, refuel, pee and get ready to go as quickly as possible. We aren’t in a huge rush, but time is of the essence at each stop. Sitting too long, especially later on in the day, can make it more difficult to get up and move again. So, figure out how to be as efficient as possible at each stop.

foot care
Lots of foot care at every rest stop
I developed my first blister on the walk in 2021 at mile 24

Since my achilles rupture and surgery, I’ve started using compression therapy on my achilles/ankle. Last year I used it at the rest areas during the 28 mile walk. This helped with swelling and inflammation (had zero swelling last year). I plan to continue this year. It’s also a big part of my recovery after my training walks/rucks.

Other tips/blister kits

Since we’ll be outside for about 10.5 hours, don’t forget sunscreen. Most years I wear pants just to have less skin exposed. Last year I wore shorts, with a long sleeve, dri-fit type shirt. I like that combo too.

Put together a simple blister kit with various sizes of moleskin, band aids, possibly scissors and tape. I’m not an expert on doctoring blisters during the event since I’ve never had many. The ones I’ve gotten, were small and we got moleskin on them quickly. I’ve seen many big ones and some participants have popped and drained the puss mid-event, while others left the bubble until the walk was over or they popped it if they had to drop out.

Also, clip your toenails. It’s amazing what pain or discomfort this simple act can prevent.

A walker from 2018. It could be worse, but this is bad enough. Avoid this happening.

Previous Years Surprises

Fortunately, I’ve had only a few surprises over the years. What stands out the most is for a few years my ankles swelled pretty big and I had to elevate them for a couple days after.

Also, every year until 2022 I used Smartwool trekking socks. They felt great on my feet, but by the end, my ankles broke out in a rash that lasted a few days. This happened every year. Not a big deal, just itched a little for a few days. Once I switched to the Balega Hidden Comfort socks, no more of that issue.

Some years I’ve gotten severe chills after the walk too. I’ve not researched why, but it’s never been a problem, just noticeable.

It will be different for all. The goal is to be so prepared that you’re good after the event. Of course you’ll be tired and sore, but you should be able to go about more normal activities the following day. This is usually my experience. After the 2022 walk, I felt better than I ever have. I attribute that to the Ballistic Trainer shoes and the Balega Hidden Comfort socks. Getting plenty of miles in before the event was pretty crucial too.

Walkers in 2015

Summary

Train, train, train. As Mark Lauren always says, “you only get good at what you do.” It’s important to mix in some weight training too. Those legs will get tired. And when we do Memorial Push-ups at the end, you want some gas left in the tank. Training only by walking will not prepare you for that.

Too many times to count participants have shown up to the event and told me they didn’t train b/c they workout regularly or do CrossFit. Also, I’ll never forget the face of a walker as her husband removed (aka yanked) her toenail at about mile 27. She was not happy. So, training by walking is the best preparation.

For additional tips on training for the ruck/walk, a former combat controller Matt Mueller provided these to me years ago, which are absolutely spot on (scroll down under the first picture in the link to read the add’l tips).

I’d love to hear how you train, what gear you use, tips on preventing or treating blisters, etc. And I’d really like to see you at the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk this year. Come on and just do it! It’s a unique event with a great spirit about it. How many events can you exercise and spend many hours with others, while being able to talk?

Affiliate disclaimer: I earn a small commission from GORUCK if you purchase their products with my links listed above. This is no additional cost to you. I chose to become an affiliate b/c I believe in their products and use them–and have since 2015.

Filed Under: Exercise, Life of Thad, Reviews, The Mark Forester Foundation Tagged With: ballistic trainers, goruck, jag 28, mark forester, memorial pushups, memorial walk, ruck, rucking, training

Ep 100 | Michael Blout – Combat Controller, Silver Star Recipient

February 6, 2023 By Thad Forester

Michael Blout joins me to talk about the battle from 2012 where he was awarded the Silver Star. As a former Flight Superintendent, Combat Dive Course Superintendent, and Superintendent over the Department of Training, Special Warfare Preparatory Course and more, we talk much about preparation, mindset, leading, integrating into a team and never quitting. During the CCT pipeline, Blout was smoked many times by one of his instructors, Mark Lauren (aka Klinganator or Cyborg). Mark is also a former guest on this show.

He also shared how to keep the sharks away while scuba training and threw in some surprises about dolphins.

Mike is another Air Force Combat Controller who is a silent professional. He’s sacrificed his body and family to fight evil and to serve in other various ways throughout the world. “Take care of your people and they will take care of you.”

One of Blout’s SF teammates, “Big Mike” Duskin, was killed in this battle on Oct 23, 2012. Please take time to read about him at this link: https://www.duskinandstephens.org/duskin

I hope you enjoy the intro music and full song at the end of this interview. It was written by former Air Force CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling. You can learn the history of this song here. Dan’s goal is for it to be something that urges people to turn up the volume when they play the track!

“My hope was that this song rocks enough that guys I wrote it for will enjoy it and powerful enough to leave an indelible emotional impact crater,” Schilling said, “one you want to revisit over and over again.”

Copyright 2023 Thad Forester
www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: air force, cct, combat dive school, dan schilling, leadership, oda, rucking, silver star, spent brass, sprinting, training

GORUCK Light Challenge review – Birmingham

December 3, 2016 By Thad Forester

GoRuck Birmingham
GORUCK Light Class 1380

A few weeks ago I participated in my first GORUCK event.  I chose the easiest one as my first – the GORUCK Light (now called Basic).  We covered about 5 miles in 4.5 hours.

I made this decision back in January and never planned to prepare specifically for it.  I exercise 5 days/week and each spring I train for and participate in my brother’s memorial birthday walk.  This year it was 35 continuous miles.  Therefore, I didn’t train any differently than I normally do.

Looking back, should I have prepared? What gear did I use? And what would I change?

Let’s face it, if you are relatively active, this won’t be a problem.  It’s more about camaraderie and teamwork.  We had a great group of 23 folks.  We even got a short tour of Sloss Furnace.

I’m going to answer a few question that I had before doing it.

  1. Do we need our own team?  No.  The entire group is the team.  Show up by yourself or already knowing someone.  Either way, you’ll make new friends and you all have the same goal to finish.
  2. Who determines the team weight?  A Facebook page will be created for your event.  Participants can decide on what to use and who will bring it, along with one USA flag that will be carried the entire event.  Many on our team consisted of people from Red Mountain Ruck Crew.  They were very welcoming and helpful to those of us who’d never done this event before.  They also provided the team weight.

Sloss Furnace push-ups
Sloss Furnace push-ups

Gear:

I have the GR2 backpack, which I  highly recommend due to the quality and comfort on my back while carrying heavy weight.  But, this is definitely not required for the GORUCK Light event.  You can get by with any comfortable pack.

The temp was in the 50’s, so I wore a couple layers.  I used Mad Grip gloves for part of the event (carrying watermelons and lifting railroad crossties).  I’m a large, but these come in L-XL, so the fingers are a little longer than I’d prefer, but they were just fine.  Other people seem to like Mechanix Gloves.

For food, I put a granola bar and string cheese in my pocket and was glad to have them.  I brought an extra bar and shared with a friend.  I think he was thankful b/c he thought he wouldn’t need anything during the event.

For socks and shoes, you can refer to this post.

Here is all the gear in my pack.  GORUCK tells you what to bring – I’d bring everything they suggest.  The cadre may be a stickler and want you to have everything exactly as he posts on the FB page beforehand (i.e. spare batteries, cash, phone case, name on ruck plate, etc).

Goruck light pack

goruck light-2Basically, just do whatever the cadre asks.  Follow all traffic laws.  The push-ups, air squats and bear crawls were easy.  However, the flutter kicks were tough.  I couldn’t keep up and pretty sure most in our group couldn’t.  We finished up on them.  But, no two events are the same, so there are infinite exercises the cadre could choose.

Would I change anything if I did it again?  No, the Light isn’t anything to sweat about.  Just prepare if there will be extreme temperatures.  Since ours was in the 50’s and maybe 40’s by the end, it wasn’t bad.  If it had have been warm, I would’ve needed a bigger water bladder.

If you’ve never walked/rucked with weight on your back, then you probably need to do that before the event – for your body and to test out your gear.  Never show up to any even with untested gear (especially backpack, shoes, socks).

It’s a unique event and I recommend doing it.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

GoRuck Light
GORUCK Light done

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: avondale park, go ruck light review, goruck, goruck light review, quiet pt, railroad crossties, red mountain ruck crew, rucking, sloss furnace, team event

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